Residents hail govt assurance, Left outfits hold protests

Kochi: With state govt agreeing to implead in the land dispute, the Dalit families of Pariyathukavu in Malayidamthuruth living under the shadow of eviction, are relieved. However, the residents made it clear that they would continue their protests if govt failed to keep its promise.

Meanwhile, DYFI and Pattikajathi Kshema Samithi (PKS) held public meetings at Pariyathukavu as a calling attention move on Saturday. Several activists under the banner of CPM, Janadhipathya Mahila Association and Kerala State Karshaka Thozhilali Union gathered at Pariyathukavu to pledge support to the Dalit families. The meeting pleaded that the eviction shouldn't take place and the families should be assured of proper living conditions. They declared that brutality wouldn't be allowed. DYFI had begun a solidarity gathering since morning.

Higher education minister Roji M John had held discussions with the residents at Ernakulam collectorate on Friday night. “It has been promised that govt will move the court on Monday. We are not ready to move out from the areas where we have been living since the time of our forefathers. If govt fails to keep its promise, we will have to continue with the protest,” said C P Manoj, a resident.

Police’s attempt to facilitate the eviction of seven Dalit families from Pariyathukavu on Wednesday earned the wrath of the residents and the public. Police tried implementing a court order and provided support to an advocate commission to evict the Dalit families. However, the drive had to be called off due to public protests. The home ministry too intervened to prevent police from taking coercive action.